The Rockford IceHogs have been a streaky group this season. At the moment, Rockford is on a downward trajectory. However, things could be looking up at the BMO Center this weekend.
The IceHogs (9-8-2) open a four-game homestand Friday night. Rockford plays host to the San Diego Gulls, basement dwellers in the Pacific Division. The Gulls have just three wins in their last ten games entering play this weekend.
The IceHogs have dropped four straight, including a 6-1 loss in Iowa Tuesday night. Rockford and San Diego last met in the 2016-17 season; the Hogs as still looking for their first win over their West Coast opponent. After nearly six years since their last meeting, the two teams face off four times this season. Rockford is the home team this weekend, while the IceHogs visit San Diego later this month.
Taking A Gander At The Gulls
San Diego (5-11-4) is coming to Rockford on the heels of an impressive 5-2 win in Milwaukee Wednesday night. The Gulls raced out to a 4-0 lead and never looked back.
Ten-year veteran defenseman Trevor Carrick paces San Diego with 16 points (3 G, 13 A) this season. Rookie blueliner Olen Zelweger (3 G, 11 A) and the well-traveled Andrew Agozzino (3 G, 11 A) each have 14 points. The goals have come from the stick of Pavol Ragenda; the big winger has ten to lead the Gulls. Jacob Perrault and Ben King each have six goals for the Gulls.
Calle Clang has served as the primary starter in net for San Diego. After a solid rookie season, Clang is currently 2-7-2 with a 3.76 goals-against average and an .882 save percentage. Backup Tomas Suchanek made 32 saves Wednesday in picking up the win. The IceHogs may see both the Gulls netminders this weekend.
How ‘Bout Them IceHogs?
Rockford is a bit out of sorts at the moment following the pasting at the hands of the Wild Tuesday. David Gust (6 G, 10 A) is day-to-day with a wrist injury. Rookie forward Antti Saarela has also missed several games with a sore wrist.
UPDATE (December 8, 10:30 a.m.)-Friday morning, the IceHogs announced that Anders Bjork (4 G, 11 A) will be missing the next seven to ten days with a facial injury.
Mike Hardman is back in action from a shoulder injury. Issak Phillips and Wyatt Kaiser were assigned to the IceHogs this week, which could help solidify the defense after Louis Crevier was recalled by the Chicago Blackhawks.
Special teams could use a reboot; in their current 0-3-1 funk, Rockford has just one power play goal in 15 chances. They’ve given up four goals in 17 shorthanded stints. The Wild got two of those power play goals Tuesday and added a shorthanded goal as well.
Reversing The Current Trend
The key to getting the arrow pointed upward again is simple. Start putting pucks in the net. San Diego’s penalty kill is third-worst in the AHL at just 75.3 percent. There are bound to be opportunities. On average, the Gulls commit five minor penalties a game. Rockford has to find a way to take advantage.
Rookie Colton Dach (5 G, 7 A) was named the team’s Player of the Month for November, where he put up five goals and five helpers in 11 games. Ryder Rolston potted the IceHogs only goal Tuesday in DesMoines. His six goals pace all Rockford rookies.
Gust and Saarela could return to the lineup this weekend, which would certainly aid in curing the IceHogs’ recent offensive woes.
Puck Drops
The action at the BMO Center begins at 7:00 p.m. CDT on both Friday and Saturday nights.
